🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 60 minutes
Chill Time: 6+ hours (preferably overnight)
Total Time: ~8 hours
📝 Ingredients
Crust:
-
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
-
¼ cup sugar
-
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
-
Pinch of salt
Cheesecake Filling:
-
4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup sugar
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
4 large eggs
-
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (helps reduce cracking)
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
Strawberry Topping:
-
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
-
⅓ cup sugar
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional for a thicker topping)
🔪 Instructions
1. Make the Crust:
-
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
-
Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
-
Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
2. Make the Filling:
-
Beat cream cheese until very smooth.
-
Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
-
Mix in sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and flour.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently until just combined (don’t overmix).
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
-
Pour filling over the crust.
-
Place pan in a larger pan and add hot water halfway up the sides for a water bath.
-
Bake for 60 minutes until center is slightly jiggly.
-
Let cool in the oven with the door cracked for 1 hour. Chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
4. Make the Strawberry Topping:
-
In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
-
Cook over medium heat until strawberries release juices and soften (~5–7 min).
-
For a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
-
Cool completely before topping the cheesecake.
5. Assemble:
-
Spoon the strawberry topping over the chilled cheesecake.
-
Garnish with whipped cream or extra fresh berries if desired.
💡 Tips
-
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth filling.
-
Don’t overbake — the center should have a slight wobble.
-
Run a knife around the edges after baking to prevent cracking.
Would you like a no-bake version, mini cheesecakes, or a gluten-free crust option next?